How often should your Doc drug test you

[larbec7]

I was curious what the rules/laws were for how often should your PM Doc drug test you.  I have been seeing my PM Doc for 5 years and about 9 months agi he stated drug testing me.  He finds everything in my system that he is prescribing but he does a drug screen on my every 2 months which I think is insane.  

Also, 2 out of 6 drug test came back positive for THC.  In addition, he has started to adjust my medications like crazy and it is causing me to be in more pain because he cut my Hydrocodone from 240 a month to 180 and my Soma from 90 a month to 30.  I do not understand why and all he tells me is "he thinks" I am taking too much medication.  Keep in mind, I have been on this dosage for 5 years and all of the sudden after the drug testing came the deduction.

Someone, please help me understand.

[jaciv]

Your Dr. can give you a drug test at any time. I get one at every visit, it show's the medication and the amounts in my system. If your records show that you have failed drug tests due to anything that is not prescribed by your Dr. will make it harder to find a PM Dr. or any Dr. who will give pain medication. They are being pressured more and more by the DEA. If I test positive for anything that I am not given or if medication does not show up on the test, I will be discharged immediately and given a one month supply of medication. I have a very strict pain contract and my Dr. does not make any exceptions to it. You are very lucky that your Dr. did not discharge you, please do not do anything that may get you released by your Dr. It may be a good idea to read your pm. contract also.

[larbec7]

I am in the process of looking for a new dr as we speak, The new doc wants to see my last 5 reports but in them I have 3 drug test and one says positive for marijuana so i am not sure what he will say.  The sad thing is I have not smoked in months and have been on Protonix for 7 months and I read somewhere that protonix test positive for THC??

[sandee1818]

I agree with Mollyrae also! I do not think any doctor with any worth to you would even think of suggesting you use an illegal drug! I would advise you to NEVER again do this and find a new PM doctor pronto!

[larbec7]

I decided to be as blunt as I can with him when I see him next.  I wanted to see me in two weeks rather than one month.  My guess is he will pop  a drug test on me but I have heard he likes to milk patients also and get as much money from them as possible

[Tuckamore]

Good thought Larbec. I agree with Mollyrae. Your physician can test you as often as he chooses.

I think your physician may have cut back on your meds due to the positive THC drug screen results regardless of his suggestion that you should try/take it. However in another post you did say that it had been over 36 hours since you had used the Soma and that may also be an additional reason for the decrease. I would be direct and ask him why he has decreased the number he is allowing you.

Again best of luck to you,
Tuck

[larbec7]

Thanks Mollyrae, I have gone clean and the sad thing is he suggested I try it even though it is not legal in my state and then when I did...well....wallah.....

I have only smoked a total of 6 times in the past 9 months but it is not worth losing a doctor because I need the medication for my pain

[Mollyrae]

Hi:

Because he found THC in your system, you may be tested every month. There is no limit on how often he can or will do a test.

To tell you the truth, I am suprised that you're even in his program. Most Pm Docs will dismiss you on the spot for a " dirty" or negative drug screen. There are MANY members here who have lost their PM Doc because of both. I urge you to be very careful and do what your Doctor has prescribed. You should think about stopping the use of "pot" and prove to your Doctor that it was not in your best interest.

Please take care and good luck in the future.
Mollyrae